<p>In a <a href="http://imnda.ie/ice-bucket-challenge-funds-mnd-breakthrough/" target="_blank">statement</a> today the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association said that poject MinE &ndash; which is in part funded by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association &ndash; has identified a new gene NEK1, which is believed to be a gene that contributes towards the illness.</p>

<p>It&rsquo;s hoped the breakthrough will ultimately lead to an improved outcome for the 110 Irish people who will develop Motor Neurone Disease every year.&nbsp; One person is diagnosed with MND every 4 days. MND is known as the 1000 day disease from diagnosis to death.</p>

<p>During these 1000 days someone with MND gradually loses control of their limbs ultimately resulting in a loss of independence. Every day things we take for granted like walking, talking and eating may become virtually impossible.</p>

<p>The Ice Bucket Challenge raised <span style="line-height: 20.8px;">&euro;</span>1.6 million euro in Ireland alone. Over &euro;600,000 went directly to research. This research, which includes Project MinE, is carried out by Prof Orla Hardiman and her team in Trinity.</p>

<p>The remainder of the Ice Bucket Challenge money is being spent on a variety of projects, including the funding of a third dedicated MND nurse whose job it is to help patients in their own homes.</p>

<p>Aisling Farrell, chief executive of the IMNDA, says &ldquo;this is further evidence of the tremendous good that has come from the Ice Bucket Challenge. We don&rsquo;t yet know the impact it will have on patient&rsquo;s lives, but it&rsquo;s a breakthrough that will hopefully lead to potential treatments and one day a cure. &nbsp;Again we would like to say thank you to those who drenched themselves in ice water two years ago&ldquo;.</p>
